July 28, 2009

World Birding Center Sites Known For More Than Birds!

Brownsville, Texas — Some exciting news for entomologists: a new species of tree cricket has been found in the United States. On May 16, 2009, Nancy Collins from Wisconsin and Laurel Symes, a PhD candidate at Dartmouth University, heard a tree cricket sing at Resaca de la Palma State Park and World Birding Center in Brownsville. On a return trip in June they found another cricket at Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, another World Birding Center in Mission. Further analysis by Dr. Thomas J. Walker, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida-Gainesville, revealed that it was an unnamed species of Oecanthus.  Collins says that it will be called Alexander’s tree cricket, in respect of R. D. Alexander who first discovered them in Mexico in the 1960s.

July 22, 2009

Native Plant Restoration Set for July 25 at Lake Conroe

CONROE, Texas — This Saturday morning, July 25 on Lake Conroe, state fisheries biologists and volunteers will plant about 150 native plants in protective cages, part of a statewide effort to restore lake vegetation that improves water quality, prevents erosion, and provides high quality habitat (food and shelter) for fish and other wildlife.

July 10, 2009

NOAA Grant to Restore Galveston Bay Marsh a ‘Happy Surprise’ for State

AUSTIN, Texas — When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publicly announced the last week of June that it was providing $5,148,369 to help restore critical wetlands in West Galveston Bay, the news took Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staffers who wrote the grant request by surprise.

Learn To Camp, Enjoy Outdoors at Texas State Parks This Fall

AUSTIN, Texas — The popular Texas Outdoor Family Program has released its fall campout dates for 24 state parks throughout the state.

July 9, 2009

TPWD Schedules Public Meetings for Land and Water Plan Revisions

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is inviting public participation in a major revision of its 2005 Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.

July 2, 2009

Game Wardens to Increase Water Safety Patrols over July 4 Weekend

AUSTIN, Texas — State officials who in March feared a repeat of 2008’s near-record boating fatality numbers now say a quiet July 4 holiday weekend could put Texas on track for the lowest number of boating deaths in years.

June 24, 2009

Galveston Island State Park Reopens Beach Camping July 2

GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston Island State Park, whose facilities were devastated by Hurricane Ike last September, has made a remarkable comeback and will once again offer beachside camping in time for the busy Fourth of July weekend. Beginning July 2, visitors will be able to choose from 36 beachside campsites situated on three loops.

June 18, 2009

Texas State Parks Showing Patriotic Fervor

AUSTIN, Texas — From two diamond anniversary celebrations and fireworks extravaganzas to live music performances and bicycle parades, more than a dozen Texas state parks are planning a host of special events to commemorate the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

June 16, 2009

Lake Fork Trophy Bass Survey Tops 10,000 Entries

ATHENS, Texas — In May, the Lake Fork Trophy Bass Survey continued its run as the most successful program of its kind. Since the survey began in March 2003, anglers have reported catching more than 10,000 trophy largemouth bass from the 27,000 acre reservoir. During its nearly 30-year history, anglers have braved the stumpy waters of Lake Fork in search of the fish of a lifetime- and many have been rewarded! The latest milestone for the Trophy Bass Survey confirms Lake Fork’s legacy as one of the finest trophy largemouth bass fisheries in the world.

June 9, 2009

Little Anglers Land Big Fish

ATHENS, Texas — Out of the more than 1,000 people who visited the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens on National Fishing Day June 6, 65 boys and girls entered the fishing contest.